When we look at the current status of our nation, state and region, we must ask ourselves, "What is the answer for solving our deep social problems, race relations, political upheaval and weak economy? I believe that the simple answer is, we must learn to love ourselves and each other.

On Feb. 14, we pull out on ringers to celebrate love in a day we call Valentine. Millions of people will spend thousands of dollars buying rings, earrings, candy, clothing, flowers and beautiful greeting cards attempting to say three words: "I love you."

Genuine love is more than an emotion. It is a commitment, a covenant, an implied contract that whatever happens in my life, I will choose to love my mate, my family, my neighbor, myself and even my enemies.

Dr. King said, "Nonviolence is absolute commitment to the way of love. Love is not emotional bash; it is not empty sentimentalism. It is the active outpouring of one's whole being into the being of another."

Dr. King used agape (sacrificial, unconditional) love to change the hearts of many racist Americans. He used love to join coalitions across class, religious, racial, cultural, national and gender lines.

This week, I went to a local store to buy flowers and gifts for my wife for Valentine's Day to say, "Sugar, I love you!" While at this exquisite store, the owner stopped me and said, "It only takes a minute or so to tell a customer or someone that you care about them."

Immediately, I knew what my article would be about this week - LOVE! My whole countenance changed. I was mesmerized by the thought that each day, we should strive to share with others that we truly care about them. Take time today to encourage a co-worker. Buy a doughnut or cookie for a person in line behind you at a store or coffee counter. Take an elderly neighbor's trash out to the curb and return the empty cans to their proper place. Send an anonymous gift to a person whose spirits need to be lifted by an act of love. Forgive a family member or a long life rival for breaking your heart through a malice deed. Buy a bouquet of flowers for a homeless man or woman. Stop by the chocolate store and pick up a box of chocolates for your office staff. Visit the nursing homes and hospitals weekly to share your love with those who are going through tough times. Cook a meal for the sick and serve it to them.

We can save a lot of money by using our creativity and thoughtfulness to daily share with others how much we love and appreciate them. I talk to my mother almost everyday (via long distance calls) because I want her to know that I love her dearly, that I appreciate her past sacrifices, her constant prayers, her unconditional love and her guiding hand. I thank God each day for the people who have died that loved me the way that I needed to be loved. They inspired me to be the best that God created me to be. They taught me to focus on loving and not hating others.

Page 2 of 2 - Love can be demonstrated in so many ways. It begins with a grateful heart. God gives us so many opportunities to share the love that God has given us. Sometimes, the simplest gifts are the ones that deeply touch our hearts and make us feel loved and appreciated. Our children at church always make me feel loved with their creative artwork, their unconditional, loving hugs and their encouraging words.

Over the years, I have discovered that many of the people who love the most are the ones that have been hurt the most. When we look at singers such as Luther Vandross and Whitney Houston, they inspired us with their deep love ballads because they sung out of a broken heart. Love is the emotion that God gave us to connect us, to heal us and to forgive us. Love is a gift from God. Let us use this gift daily because it is a gift that no one can destroy or take from us.

This Valentine's Day, we should make a decision to share love with everyone we meet and then make a commitment to love even the most difficult people in our lives. After all, love is the answer that heals a broken heart, that soothes a painful situation and reconciles relationships. Real transformation begins and ends in love. Happy Valentine's Day!

The Rev. Dr. Kenneth Board is the senior pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church of Rockford and an adjunct seminary professor at Northern Seminary in Lombard. If you would like to comment, email opinions@rrstar.com.